A carriage stops at a certain corner of the city center.
In front of an old stone building off a busy street. It was left alone for nearly ten years after the death of its inhabitants, but it was recently cleaned up.
Of course I bought it, Julius.
Replace damaged wooden frames and doors, leaving the building intact. Lightly decorated with hanging balls and hanging signs, it quickly turns into a stylish shop.
Home to the capital of the kingdom, Julius is based in various places, such as the territory and port town ruled by the Marquis of Aigel, but has recently been operating mainly in the territory of the Duke of Prélie.
According to Julius, the Prelieu domain will be the center of the economy in the future.
As a merchant, he seems to have already bought this place at the stage when the medical facility plan was lifted in order not to miss the opportunity.
It is said that the stores along the eye-catching streets are well secured. There's no loose ends.
“Welcome, we've been expecting you.”
When I knocked on the heavy wooden door, Julius himself greeted me.
The beauty of the goods is as good as ever, the youthfulness that does not make you feel old.
When I stepped inside, it looked like the store was still open, but the shelves were already lined with products. They offer a wide range of items, from stunning crafted watches that are good at a glance to avant-garde design figurines.
It seemed miscellaneous, and I felt the sense of placement in harmony with wonders.
The location and the atmosphere of the old building combine to make it feel like a special place. It's like I'm in a magical shop myself, and the tension is bursting.
Moreover, the man who looked like an employee who quietly lowered his head in the back of the store was a grandfather who seemed to have a good product, and said, "Julius is a stone! I know!!"
“If you have a moment, let me show you around the store a little bit. I would be grateful if you could give me an opinion from a woman's perspective."
Lady Julius makes such a suggestion to me when my eyes are shining.
Even though you're already an adult, you're embarrassed to look like a curious child. But to be honest, I nodded "Please" because I want to hear the product description.
Is Georg not with you?
Even if I looked around, I didn't see anything.
Georg, Julius-sama's nephew, helps Julius in his business in parallel with his studies as the next chief.
I was told you were coming here today because of the store opening in Prelieu territory.
"Oh, I'm directing the renovation at the store on the main street. It was longer than planned, so I left it behind.”
Huh?
It's okay.
Is that the one that's really gonna be okay?
It's a pattern that pushes you to work again, and you get angry later, right?
Master Julius is a gentle, honest adult man...... a fairly free man.
I went out to buy the product and I heard a few stories about not coming back. Every time they are pressured to work, they are good employees and serious nephews.
Georg, with his elegant work and splendid beauty, is also popular in the social world as the "Prince of Spring".
However, unfortunately, in me, his image of him floating blue on his forehead and preaching to his uncle in a rolling manner remains stronger.
This time too, I think my uncle who had disappeared sometime had a sting.
Good luck, Okan. Stay strong.
I followed Julius while sympathizing with Georg, who was struggling.
It passes through the store and leads to one of the rooms in the back.
When I sat down on the recommended sofa and made eye contact with the maid, she was very helpful.
Is this the cuisine of the Osten Kingdom?
Lady Julius glistened and looked at the lunches lined up at her desk.
“No, I use ostenoids for ingredients and condiments, but I cook them myself. Since it is a seasoning that I like, I wonder if it is completely different from that seasoning."
I'm sure that's my taste, too.
I was laughed at like a boy, as if to be caught.
Well then, can I have it soon?
"Yes, please. This is rice from the staple food."
"This is not a piece of paper... Is it some kind of leaf?"
"It's dried bamboo."
Perhaps he was intrigued, and Julius took the bamboo skin in his hand and began to observe it. Whether it's a saga as a merchant or a personal hobby, it seems fun.
I might be happy if I made you a bamboo water bottle.
When Julius' interest in bamboo hides finally turned toward rice.
I heard a voice from behind the door.
It's not as rough as argument, but if you don't speak up, you won't get here.
His eyes met with that of Lord Julius, and he apologized briefly, "Excuse me," and then took his seat.
When I open the door, I hear a sharper voice than before.
"It doesn't matter if it's expensive. I want you to share the rice."
Rice?
Did I just tell you to share the rice?
Following Julius, who had left the room, I took a seat.
The escort knight and the maid prevented me from chasing him, so I stood at the door and sneaked around.
"Augusto, are you a customer?"
Julius probably called the name of the employee's grandfather. After a short exchange, another voice interrupted.
You're the shopkeeper, aren't you?
A sharp voice reaches me. The figure was not visible from here, but from his voice he predicted that it would be a young man.
“I am the owner of this store, what did you do?”
"I'm sorry to make such a noise. I heard it was before the store opened, but there was something I really wanted you to give me, so I asked for it with disrespect."
He was loud, but he seemed polite.
I remembered a certain island country from the way of speaking like a young warrior who appeared in the play of the times and the word "rice".
Could you pass on the rice, please?
"Sorry, we don't have any in stock"
"... what?"
“I plan to do it at the main street store, but it's still being renovated, so I'll have to bring the goods in first. Now it is stored in a distant warehouse, so it cannot be delivered immediately."
"I see..." I'm sorry I couldn't. I'd like to ask you at the same time, but do you have any other stores in mind? "
“Trade with the Osten Kingdom has begun, and the days are still shallow.”
Unspokenly struck no, the male customer muttered once again, "Is that so?" in a disturbed voice.
Apparently, there were many people who went to various stores, but they didn't even know about the existence of rice.
Finally, after receiving information that there was a shopkeeper who handled unusual products, he visited Julius.
It's a pity you've done so much, but you can't take it back with your hands.
If I have enough stock at home, I can give it away.
When I was wondering if I could break it in, Julius called out to the male customer, "Please wait a little," and then came back to me.
Did you hear that?
"Yes, I heard you. I'm sorry."
Hearing and listening to the ladies is a serious act.
But for now, let's put it aside.
"It should still be at home. Shall I cede it to you?"
Lady Julius lowered his eyebrows apologetically.
“Thank you, I'm sorry I can't do this.”
"No, I'm the one who's always listening to impossibilities." Don't worry about it as much as you do. ”
Even so, Julius's expression didn't clear up.
As a merchant, I suppose you're reluctant to ask me to return the goods I sold once. Still, I think it's a stone's throw to prioritize the needs of troubled customers over pride.
Repeatedly saying that he is fine is probably not going to work.
Judging by that, I got a little lost and opened my mouth.
I'll think about what kind of favor to ask next.
Laughing and twitching one eye. Then Lord Julius shook his shoulders laughingly because he winked lightly at the void.